Page 3 of How to Fall for the Secret Billionaire
I feel something tight in my chest unclench.
“Oh,” I say, practically breathless with relief. “So you’re checking out?”
Jane nods, her curls bouncing. “Yes! We’re moving on. But thank you, Margot.” She throws her arms around me before I can even respond. “This has been amazing. I’m so glad we chose this place for our first stop after the wedding. It gave us exactly the cozy, homey vibe we needed to start our lives.”
I hug her back, warmth blooming all through me. Thank goodness for impulsive, romantic newlyweds.
As she pulls away, she gestures to Jamie like she can’t believe her luck. “Isn’t he the most wonderful man in the world?”
I smile at him. “He really is. That’s the sweetest thing I’ve heard all week. You’re so lucky, Jane. I think you’re both lucky.”
She grins.
They glide toward the door in their newlywed bubble of joy and perfect weather and ice cream road trips. I barely wait until it swings shut behind them before I bolt up the stairs, heart pounding with relief.
The Rose Suite is empty. I have thirty minutes. Ms. Chambers is getting her miracle after all.
In twenty minutes, the suite is gleaming. I’ve changed the bedding, fluffed the pillows, and swapped the old welcome card for a new one with freshly snipped lavender tucked inside. I’m also sweating through my blouse, but that honestly doesn’t matter.
Fairy godmother, whoever you are, thank you for this miracle.
I fly down the stairs, slowing just before the parlor so I don’t look like the manic innkeeper I am. Ms. Chambers is there, arms crossed like she’s guarding the gates of hell. Her foot taps. Her lips are pursed in pure judgment. And when her eyes land on me, she stands up with military precision.
“I can’t believe this is happening,” she says before I can get a word in. “I only came here because of the reviews. Reviews lie, huh? Because this is so?—”
“Your room is ready, Ms. Chambers.”
God, it feels good to say that.
She freezes. “What?”
“Yes,” I say, already gesturing toward the staircase. “It’s ready. Come with me.”
She follows, though not silently. Of course not.
“I don’t want another room,” she huffs behind me. “I booked the Rose Suite for a reason. I liked the amenities in there. That’s why I booked it. That’s what I want.”
I stop in front of the second-floor door, the brass rose plaque gleaming in the hallway light. I turn to her, smiling, and press the heavy, old-fashioned key into her hand. Room 12. Engraved in brass like all the rest.
The change is instant. Her face softens. “Oh. Thank you, Margot.”
I nod, still catching my breath. “No, thankyoufor your patience. I’m truly sorry for the glitch. Breakfast is always included in the package, but today, lunch and dinner are on the house. Just a little way to make up for the delay. If you need anything at all, the front desk is just a call away.”
She actually nods—smiles even. “Thank you. I know I’m going to have a great time.”
She steps into the room, and the door closes behind her with a soft click.
I press my hand to the wall and exhale like I’ve just run a marathon.
And honestly? I kind of have.
I’m halfway down the stairs, taking them slower than usual, trying to let my breath catch up to my body, when I hear it.
Click.
The unmistakable creak of a doorknob I’ve come to dread.
Room 8.
